I have a 2013 Lexus GS350 and after parking it in the garage on Friday, came out on Sunday to drive. The car wouldn't start, I heard an awful clicking sound, and after the system check, got the "Parking Brake Inoperable" message displayed with the word "PARK" blinking on the dash display. I turned to this forum and was sceptical that it was just the battery but called AAA for a jump anyway. Sure enough, I needed a jumpstart (and new battery)! Upon restart after the new install, all systems are go and no error lights remain. I don't know why Lexus allows that decieving error message for a weak battery resulting in unnecessary tows ($$) and PANICK as a result!

 

Cars give all sorts of weird error codes when the battery is playing up. Do yourself a favour and buy an OBD2 dongle for $5 so you can possibly see what the issue is using your phone next time.

 

Mind blown!!! thats great to know. im gonna go look for that **** while the car is in the garage later.

 

Currently dealing with this... Except my battery is brand new! Installed yesterday actually. Car was perfectly fine. Today I started up and the park light was blinking along with a beep. The emergency brakes ARE engaged and the car cannot move.

I've been turning the manual release counter clocksise for half an hour and no luck. It just clicks with each turn.

What do I do ?

 

That thing you're turning is just a plug.

Owner's Manual pages 738-739.
You need the screwdriver and release tool as pictured.

PS: I spelled 'release' incorrectly in the filename. I hope you can deal.
PPS: The owner's manual is full of information about our cars.

 

I removed the white plug as per the manual. The actual allen head behind that should be connected to the cable, which just keeps clicking as i turn. how many turns does it take ?

Thank you much for the prompt response btw. I am still stuck : /

 

As noted in the file (attachment) that jonathancl provided it states: If the switch cannot be operated even when the battery is normal, the parking brake system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your local Lexus dealer immediately.

I suspect you'll likely need to have Lexus' service department get you back on the road again.

As EEnglish said (quoted above): The technician found Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C13A7 Actuator Malfunction. The assumption is that when the battery died, that there wasn't enough power for the actuator and it threw a code. All the technician did was erase the DTC and everything is fine now.

Does that mean that if you had a Diagnostic Code Reader and could erase the thrown code (assuming you are experiencing the exact same trouble code as he had), would that take care of your problem like it did his problem? I don't know...